This week's international press-review highlights three main forces shaping the berry industry: (1) price-building and competitive pressure in destination markets, (2) fast-growing origins and reshaped export flows (Georgia, Ukraine, Türkiye), and (3) a stronger push on genetics, quality and standardisation to protect consistency and value at retail.
Markets, pricing and positioning
Lima 2026: blueberry pricing dynamics and competition under the spotlight
The Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026 frames price formation as an outcome of execution (condition, timing, compliance, service), not merely €/kg. Variety is positioned as a value driver because it affects traits rewarded or penalised by destination markets. A panel will also address the “new global landscape”, highlighting competitive strategies aimed at protecting margins through better market reading and tighter commercial–supply-chain alignment.
Source: FreshPlaza.com
Publication date: 27 Feb 2026
Chile: blueberry exports up 6% in the early phase of 2025/26
Early-season figures show higher exports alongside a clear destination shift, with Europe increasing its share while the wider supply context evolves (stronger Spain/Morocco presence in Europe and lower Peruvian volumes). Weather pressure required accelerated harvest and postharvest to maintain firmness and limit deterioration. The take-away is a market where flow management and quality preservation increasingly determine returns and channel access.
Source: FreshPlaza.com
Publication date: 23 Feb 2026
Emerging origins and export strategies
Georgia: blueberry exports expand as the sector targets EU growth and new markets
Georgia continues to mature as an origin: production exceeded 7,500 tons and about 95% was exported, supported by stronger coordination (industry association, international training, GlobalG.A.P.). After a “stable” 2025 season, the focus is shifting to long-term partnerships and market expansion, including trial shipments to India and ambitions for broader EU access. Quality upgrades and organisation are positioned as the key levers for sustained growth.
Source: FreshPlaza.com
Publication date: 26 Feb 2026
Ukraine: frozen raspberry export strength and blueberries increasingly driven by exports
Ukraine reaffirmed its leadership in frozen raspberry exports and highlighted export expansion as a core 2026 growth engine. In blueberries, output is rising while domestic consumption is described as capped, meaning further development relies on international sales and workable logistics. The broader message is that in a higher-cost world, success depends less on harvested volume and more on contracts, destinations and execution across the commercial and supply chain.
Source: HortiDaily.com
Publication date: 27 Feb 2026
Türkiye: blueberry yields expected +25–30%, with weather risk as the main variable
Turkish growers forecast higher 2026 yields supported by improved pruning, nutrition and crop monitoring. Weather remains the biggest risk—late frosts and heavy rain—prompting mitigation measures such as frost protection, better drainage and integrated management. Demand is noted across Asian and Gulf markets, reinforcing that competitiveness hinges on yield stability and reliable season performance, not just acreage expansion.
Source: AGF.nl
Publication date: 20 Feb 2026
India: urban demand rises, but local blueberry production remains challenging
Interest in berries is growing, yet blueberries still require technical guidance and varietal adaptation to reach consistent yields and quality. The article highlights regular imports serving urban demand and ongoing investments in nursery capacity and propagation. In parallel, there is ambition to develop “Made in India” genetics, but the shift looks gradual—near-term demand appears to outpace domestic production, keeping a strong role for imports while local capability builds.
Source: AGF.nl
Publication date: 23 Feb 2026
Genetics, varieties and research
North America: berry genetics program expands with a multi-site testing network
VentureFruit is expanding blueberry and Rubus genetics in North America, backed by a 14-site testing network across Canada and the U.S. and a strategic partnership with California Giant. The approach emphasises advanced selections assessed for agronomic performance and eating quality, aiming to deliver stronger, more consistent varieties for growers and retailers. The underlying goal is reduced variability and a higher baseline consumer experience at shelf.
Source: HortiDaily.com
Publication date: 23 Feb 2026
Research: mapping blueberry flowering and pollen development to improve breeding efficiency
A study from Argentina details flower structure and pollen development in two varieties, defining seven flowering stages to better time crosses and strengthen breeding programs. The practical impact is clearer decision-making on “when” to intervene, improving hybridisation efficiency and supporting varieties better adapted to local production contexts. The work is positioned as a foundation to lift productivity and environmental adaptation across different growing conditions.
Source: Groentennieuws.nl
Publication date: 27 Feb 2026
Spain (Huelva): proprietary breeding to widen the early window and boost resilience
A Huelva grower highlights how proprietary genetics are increasing independence, with blueberries harvested for months and a focus on the December–April value window. Raspberry breeding targets balanced flavour and productivity; new strawberry materials aim for earliness and resilience under unstable weather. The strategic line is clear: protect grower profitability in a multi-origin landscape by raising standards, improving postharvest behaviour and delivering consistent quality despite climatic volatility.
Source: FreshPlaza.it
Publication date: 26 Feb 2026
Retail category management
Premium momentum: proprietary varieties and year-round programs to build category value
The berry category is described as a top produce performer, driven by healthy snacking and demand for flavour. The focus is shifting to premium genetics and year-round supply programs (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries) that help retailers secure reliability and differentiation. A proprietary blackberry is highlighted for sweetness and consistent quality. The message is that incremental value comes from repeatable eating experience and service execution, not only from volume.
Source: HortiDaily.com
Publication date: 26 Feb 2026
Supply-chain view: blueberries become the largest global item for a cooperative
A major cooperative reports blueberries as its single largest global item, followed by raspberries and blackberries. Growth is linked to club programs and a strong priority on best-in-class quality to support consumer satisfaction and long-term consumption gains. The geographical trend is also notable: while the U.S. remains dominant, Europe and Asia are the fastest-growing regions, reinforcing how berries are increasingly global and driven by standards, genetics and service.
Source: HortiDaily.com
Publication date: 24 Feb 2026
